Pros and Cons of Tangible and Digital Wireframes

Abstract

This innovative practice is a work in progress that analyzes how a tangible wireframe can be more effective for team communication than a digital wireframe at specific development stages through design activities and processes. It has been found that tangible wireframes are easy to work with and can provide a clearer view of a product's design. To validate this finding, the research focused on the effectiveness of communication through three main aspects of the wireframe: Design, Features, and Layout. These aspects indicate functionality and aesthetic of the website design. The additional outcome implies pros and cons of both tangible and digital wireframes. Research information has been analyzed from data collection of classes activity recorded at an IT faculty. The results showed team communication through wireframe creation depends upon the user experience of team members, understanding of goals, and ability to select tools for digital or tangible wireframe suitable for the design stage. Therefore, this research can guide an instructor of web development by choosing the right tools and techniques appropriate for learners-those without and with experience. It is counted as contributions to the computing educational field.